It has been alleged that producers of the ITV talent show are in talks with the 2009 runner-up to secure his bum is firmly on a seat in the judging panel next to returning favourite Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and new father Simon Cowell.

After Pussycat Doll singer and squeeze of F1 hunk Lewis Hamilton, Nicole Scherzinger, quit this week show producers were left in a quandary over who would fill her shoes.

Before jetting over to NYC to witness the birth of his son Eric, Cowell admitted that he was in talks with gorgeous Geordie Cheryl, hoping to secure her comeback.

Although in previous years the judging panel has always featured two female judges and two males, it's believed that Cheryl has voiced concerns about a repeat performance of her being pitted against the other female fight.

COMEBACK COLE: Cowell is keen to secure Cheryl's return [INSTAGRAM]

SCREEN READY: Could Cheryl's lovely new locks be to make sure she's X Factor ready? [INSTAGRAM]

When the former Girls Aloud singer featured on the show back in 2010, rumours of a rift between her and fellow judge Danni Minogue were rife.

“It would be incredible, but I'd have to wait for Mr Cowell to make that decision”

Olly Murs

Speaking to today's Sunday Sun, an X Factor source revealed: "Simon wants Cheryl back more than anything and his idea is to make her the complete star of the show."

"She's very tempted by his offer and looks close to saying yes. But she is concerned about everyone trying to whip up a bitch fight between her and a new female judge."

"There's also a feeling Cheryl and Olly would have great chemistry. He really fancies her and she would happily play along because she's very fond of him."

HOST: Olly presents to Xtra Factor which sexy Caroline Flack [GETTY]

Olly may have dropped a huge hint when he recently revealed he would consider it "an honour" to become a judge.

He added: "It would be incredible, but I'd have to wait for Mr Cowell to make that decision."